The sociodemographic and career-related characteristics of two types of youth who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs) in Hong Kong were examined and compared: longer-term (=5 months, n = 787) and transitional (<5 months, n = 3,939). After controlling for sociodemographic variables, multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that longer-term NEETs are more likely to be associated with risk factors such as taking a carer role, seclusion at home, involvement in deviant activities, having addiction or health problems; whereas higher educational attainment, identification of career interest and plans for future work/study/ training, and higher career adaptability appeared to be protective factors for NEETs and identifiers of transitional NEETs. Implications are drawn for research and career support services for NEETs.